Grass Valley, CA
Population 14,126 · California
About Grass Valley, CA
Grass Valley is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 14,126 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,850 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grass Valley features a median home value of $458,400, which is 87% above the national median of $244,900. This places Grass Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,417, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,321 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (2,718 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (4,115 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grass Valley shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grass Valley have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.0% of Grass Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 6.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 8.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Grass Valley, CA
Compared to national averages, Grass Valley has a median household income of $48,850 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $458,400, which is 87% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,417 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Grass Valley's income is 50% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 30% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Grass Valley, CA?
Grass Valley offers short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,850) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $458,400. However, Grass Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Grass Valley has a population of 14,126 with a median age of 49.6 years. Compare Grass Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Grass Valley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McFarland | 14,138 | $51,801 | $245,500 | Compare |
| Mill Valley | 14,064 | $208,466 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| East Rancho Dominguez | 14,219 | $67,645 | $548,400 | Compare |
| North Auburn | 13,833 | $72,125 | $503,400 | Compare |
| Hawaiian Gardens | 13,816 | $76,025 | $509,600 | Compare |
| Alamo | 14,441 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Livingston | 14,450 | $76,158 | $339,800 | Compare |
| Salida | 14,457 | $91,990 | $448,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Grass Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grass Valley
What is the population of Grass Valley, CA?
The population of Grass Valley, CA is 14,126 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Grass Valley?
The median household income in Grass Valley, CA is $48,850 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grass Valley?
The median home value in Grass Valley, CA is $458,400, which is 87% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Grass Valley?
The median monthly rent in Grass Valley, CA is $1,417, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grass Valley?
The unemployment rate in Grass Valley, CA is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grass Valley, CA a good place to live?
Grass Valley offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,126 and a median age of 49.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Grass Valley, CA?
32.0% of residents in Grass Valley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Grass Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grass Valley, CA: median home value is $458,400 (87% above national), median rent is $1,417/month, and median household income is $48,850. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Grass Valley?
The poverty rate in Grass Valley, CA is 20.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Grass Valley, CA?
Grass Valley's population is 6.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 8.3% of residents are foreign-born.